In Skiveegnen, the first cooperative dairy was founded in Ramsing in 1885 by local farmers. The cooperative dairies were born out of the economically difficult times for farmers and by working together, the foundation was laid to turn this development for the better.
Balling Cooperative Dairy
Balling Andelsmejeri was founded in 1887 by around 50 farmers from the area. The farmers were represented by both smallholders and farm owners so that all types of agriculture were catered for in the new collaboration. The cooperative dairy dealt exclusively with butter production. In 1893, another 18 farmers joined the cooperative and the development of Balling Andelsmejeri took off.
Ramsing Cooperative Dairy
Ramsing Andelsmejeri became the first dairy cooperative in Viborg County and the seventh in the whole country. A local farmer was the real driving force behind the establishment of Ramsing Andelsmejeri in 1885. Together with 12 other forward-thinking men in the area, they agreed to build Ramsing Cooperative Dairy. A subsequent expansion was soon needed as new members joined the cooperative.
Rødding Cooperative Dairy
After a series of meetings with parish residents, Rødding Cooperative Dairy was built in 1889. In 1890, an extraordinary board meeting authorized the board of directors to compete with Balling dairy for the residents of Krejbjerg, who supplied milk to Rødding dairy without being members.
Brodal Cooperative Dairy
The idea of cooperatives was so strong in the regions that the residents decided to set up a cooperative dairy. Brodal Cooperative Dairy was therefore built in 1889 and had a satisfactory sale of butter to a wholesaler in Copenhagen. In 1982, the future of Brodal Andelsmejeri was discussed and it was decided to merge with Skiveegnens Mejeriselskab.
Saugstrup Cooperative Dairy
In 1886, a communal dairy was established in Vium Tinggård, but there was still a need for a new dairy. In 1892, Saugstrup Cooperative Dairy was ready for use. Unfortunately, there are no records from the first 13 years of the dairy’s existence. In 1922, a 16-horse steam boiler was purchased and this required a total renovation of the existing building.
Krejbjerg Cooperative Dairy
Throughout the country, and thus also in Krejbjerg Parish, there was a rapid development in the dairy industry in the latter half of the 19th century. An unsuccessful attempt was made in 1897 to establish a cooperative dairy, but this time, in 1907, the project was supported and Krejbjerg Cooperative Dairy was founded. After 63 years of operation, Krejbjerg Andelsmejeri was merged with Skiveegnens Mejeriselskab in 1970.
Sources
Mølposen 2022 No. 11, page 18-59
Mølposen 2023 No. 12, page 9-70
Mothbag 2024 No. 13, page 4-30
#Cooperative dairy